Help! I'm a pretty experienced road cyclist, have done some centuries on my Ruby carbon bike, love it...But I'd like to try some long-distance touring now, and am not even sure what to start asking. So pardon the dumb questions.

I've done some overnight trips with an oversized fanny pack, staying overnight with relatives...But, the fanny pack does strain my back a little, and it is insufficient for any truly self-supported ride.

I'd like to be able to carry my tent, sleeping bag, stove, etc. on my bike. My backpacking equipment tends to be ultralight and compact, which should help (for instance, the tent only weighs 1.5 pounds).

So I assume I'll need to put on a rear rack with panniers? How do I know the setup will be appropriate for my Ruby? Are there concerns about putting this kind of weight on a carbon bike?

I'd like to get a set of panniers that would be appropriate both for long-distance biking but also around-town commuting (hauling groceries, etc.).

What do you do for bike security on overnights? Is it total folly to have to watch over such an expensive bike? (Should I get a different, less pricy one for touring?)

What else am I not thinking of?

Thanks in advance...
mariposa